The primary election for Delaware’s 2022 midterms is quickly approaching. Here’s everything you need to know about the primary, including the most recent changes to voter registration and voting by mail.
When is the primary election?
Sept. 13, with polls being open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Who can vote in the primary election?
Only Delawareans who are registered with a party affiliation can vote. This means a voter registered with the Democratic Party can vote for the Democratic candidates, and a voter registered with the Republican Party can only vote for the Republicans candidates.
How can I check if I’m registered?
You can check your voter registration and party affiliation through the state’s website. It will also tell you your closest polling location.
When is the deadline to register to vote?
For the first time, it’s on Election Day. Delaware voters can now register to vote up to and including on Election Day, which includes the primary election and the general election on Nov. 8th.
This comes after the Delaware General Assembly passed legislation this session to extend voter registration deadline with the hopes it leads to better voter access.
How can I vote this year?
There are several ways Delawareans can vote this year. The first is by voting in person at your local polling location. Here’s how you can find the one near you.
Registered voters can now mail in their ballots after requesting them from the Department of Elections, following legislation passed by the General Assembly this session.
- Voters must request a ballot one week before the election on Sept. 13. Here’s where to request one.
- When you receive the ballot, read the instructions, complete the ballot and place it in the sealed envelope.
- You will be required to include one of the following in the indicated area on the ballot:
- Last four (4) digits of voter’s social security number
- Delaware Driver’s License number
- Delaware State ID number
- Place the security label over identification information.
- You are required to return your ballot to your county’s elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can do so the following ways:
- Place the ballot envelope in the mail
- Drop the ballot in a secure ballot drop box at the Department of Elections office for your county
- Secure ballot drop box locations
You can also request an absentee ballot, which is a similar process.
What dates do I need to keep track of?
- Sept. 6: If you’re voting by mail, request a ballot no later than this day
- Sept. 13: The day of the primary
What are the primary races?
Auditor
Delaware General Assembly
Every member of the Delaware legislature is up for reelection this year, due to redistricting. But not every lawmaker has a primary challenger.
There are 14 competitive primary races for General Assembly seats, some of which are open following lawmakers retiring. Here’s a list of the candidates.
New Castle County Council District 1
Kent County Levy Court District 4 + District 6
Sussex County Council District 5
Register of Wills
Recorder of Deeds
